WASHINGTON -- Prominent Iranian reform journalist Issa Saharkhiz has been released from jail, according to his son.

Saharkhiz was among dozens of activists and intellectuals jailed following Iran's disputed 2009 presidential vote. He had been sentenced to three years in prison on charges of insulting Iranian leaders and harming national security.

He was later sentenced to another year and a half in prison on other charges.

His release on October 3 came two months before the end of his latest prison term.

The spokesman of Iran's judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, said recently that about 80 political prisoners have been pardoned by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He said a number of them have been released, and others will be released soon.